Zenith’s Defy models have long since transcended mere sporty-technical timepieces: they represent a testing ground for high-frequency calibers, new materials, and an architecture consciously inspired by urban structures. The new releases expand this identity in four directions: alongside skeletonized three-hand technology and an uncompromising ceramic chronograph, a highly complex tourbillon, two elegant 36-millimeter variants are sure to impress, and a Defy Revival A3643 model, marking the return of the pivotal 1969 reference
Defy Skyline Skeleton
The new Defy Skyline Skeleton (Ref. 49.9300.3620/07.I001) offers an architectural interpretation of contemporary watch design. Its 41 mm black ceramic case is water-resistant to 100 metres and combines brushed and polished surfaces. The black material provides a deliberate contrast to the fully gold-plated movement. Beneath the skeletonized, gold-coloured dial beats the automatic high-frequency caliber El Primero 3620 SK, beating at 36,000 vibrations per hour and boasting a 55-hour power reserve.
Instead of a traditional central seconds hand, the watch features the world's only continuously running 1/10-second indicator on a subdial at 6 o'clock. The hand is driven directly by the escapement and completes a full rotation every ten seconds. The faceted, gold-plated hour markers and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent legibility despite the open architecture. The new timepiece can be worn on either the integrated black ceramic bracelet with a double folding clasp or an additional black rubber strap. Both versions can be easily and tool-free interchanged thanks to the integrated quick-change system.
Price: Rs. 20,12,000 (approx.)
Defy Skyline Chronograph
The Defy Skyline Chronograph (Ref. 49.9500.3600/21.I001)returns in an uncompromisingly black design. Its 42 mm case is crafted entirely from black ceramic, which is not only exceptionally scratch-resistant but also accentuates the geometric contours of the Defy's architecture. This model, too, is water-resistant to 100 metres and features a screw-down crown. The gradient gray dial evokes the interplay of light and shadow in modern cityscapes. Engraved four-pointed stars reference the historic Zenith emblem, while the three chronograph counters with concentric rings create a sense of depth. Rhodium-plated, faceted indices and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova for optimal legibility.
Reliable measurements are guaranteed by the automatic high-frequency caliber El Primero 3600, also operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour. It offers a 60-hour power reserve and measures times to the nearest tenth of a second. The central chronograph hand completes a full rotation in just ten seconds, complemented by a 60-minute counter at six o'clock, a 60-second counter at three o'clock, a small seconds subdial at nine o'clock, and a date display at 4:30. The blued column wheel and star-shaped oscillating weight are visible through the sapphire crystal case back. The integrated interchangeable strap system ensures versatility: in addition to the ceramic bracelet with double folding clasp, a black rubber strap with a folding clasp is also included.
Price: Rs. 24,85,000 (approx.)
Defy Skyline Tourbillon Skeleton
With the Defy Skyline Tourbillon Skeleton (Ref. 18.9300.3630/78.I001), the manufacture opens what is arguably the most spectacular chapter in the Skyline series. Limited to 50 pieces, this model combines skeletonized high-frequency technology with the warm look of rose gold. The 41 mm case, crafted from solid precious metal, is water-resistant to 100 metres and stylishly showcases the sharp-edged Defy geometry through an interplay of satin-finished and polished surfaces. At its heart lies the fully skeletonized El Primero 3630 SK automatic movement. Operating at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, it offers a 50-hour power reserve and is rendered in an intense blue.
The skeletonized architecture hints at the iconic star, the center of which is formed by a one-minute tourbillon at six o'clock. The tourbillon cage alone comprises 56 individual components. Blue PVD coating, rhodium-plated beveled edges, and a solid gold oscillating weight with satin finishes create a complex interplay of depth, colour, and light. Gold-plated, faceted hour markers with Super-LumiNova and faceted solid gold hands ensure excellent legibility. The timepiece comes with an integrated rose gold bracelet with a folding clasp and an additional blue rubber strap with a star pattern.
Price: Rs. 1,09,19,000 (approx.)
Defy Skyline 36
With the Defy Skyline 36, Zenith expands its collection with a more compact, versatile unisex size. The 36 mm stainless steel case remains true to the familiar design, is also water-resistant to 100 metres, and therefore perfectly suited for everyday wear. New is the elegant silver-coloured dial with an engraved star pattern, offered in two variations. Both versions are powered by the automatic Elite Calibre 670, which operates at 28,000 vibrations per hour and offers a 50-hour power reserve. The skeletonized rotor is visible through the transparent case back.
The timepiece features hours, minutes, a central seconds hand, and the date at 3 o'clock. In the minimalist stainless steel version, the focus is on clean lines. Rhodium-plated, faceted hands and indices with Super-LumiNova ensure excellent legibility. The watch is worn on the integrated stainless steel bracelet or, alternatively, on a black rubber strap.
Prices: Rs. 10,09,000 (approx) for Ref 03.9400.670/01.I001 and Rs. 14,33,000 (approx.) for Ref 16.9400.670/01.I001, the version with a bezel set with 52 VVS-quality brilliant-cut diamonds.
Defy Revival A3643
Defy Revival A3643
The dial of the new A3643 (Ref. 03.A3642.670/01.M3642) has been meticulously recreated using high-precision scans of the vintage model. Applied hour markers feature a distinctive two-level construction, combining a satin-brushed upper surface with glossy black-lacquered recesses beneath. This play of textures adds depth and contrast, complemented by luminescent blocks and faceted hands for clear legibility. A bright orange rectangular accent on the central seconds hand injects a subtle sense of energy and improves visibility. Again its 37mm stainless-steel case and 14-sided bezel follow the same rugged proportions, updated through modern retro-engineering.
Turning the watch over reveals a contemporary upgrade absent from the original: a sapphire display back. It offers a view of the Elite 670 automatic manufacture movement, complete with an openworked Zenith star rotor. Beating at 4 Hz and offering a power reserve of 50 hours, the movement drives hours, minutes, central seconds, and a discreet date display at 4:30. Completing the historical picture is the stainless-steel ladder bracelet, originally developed for Zenith by Gay Frères in 1969 and recreated here with the same light, architectural feel.
Price: Upon request
This article was first published in WatchTime.net with inputs from WatchTime.com
Images: Courtesy brand
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